Cops get screened for digital dirt on Facebook

Critics say poking into police recruits' cyberspace goes too far

By Kevin Johnson USA Today

WASHINGTON, DC — Law enforcement agencies are digging deep into the social media accounts of applicants, requesting that candidates sign waivers allowing investigators access to their Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Twitter and other personal spaces.

Some agencies are demanding that applicants provide private passwords, Internet pseudonyms, text messages and e-mail logs as part of an expanding vetting process for public safety jobs.